Crystallization and physical properties of polyvinyl acetate/polyvinylidene fluoride blends

Structural and thermal characterizations and dc resistivity measurements were performed for polyvinyl acetate (PVAc)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) blends. The ferro- to para- electric transition temperature (TFP) and the melting temperature of PVDF were detected by DTA. X-ray diffraction and infrared analysis evidenced the presence of α- and β-PVDF crystalline phases for the studied blends. IR spectra revealed some structural defects such as difluorinated alkenes and head-to-head segments. The optical absorption spectra suggested the presence of two optical gaps. The electrical resistivity results were discussed on the basis of the modified interpolaron hopping model. The calculated values of the charge carrier hopping distance were in the range of 5.5-7.5 nm. The present blends are suggested to be used as pressure and microwave sensors and to produce a surface acoustic wave diffraction grating of variable order for laser optical communications.